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Hockey, COVID shorten Olds Bantam Bulldogs's bench

Team needs to "crisp" up all aspects of the game, head coach says
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The Olds Bantam Bulldogs play their last game of the season Nov. 1 in Olds at Normie Kwong Park against Stettler. File photo

OLDS — The Bantam Bulldogs football team had a 1-1-1 record last week.

Head coach Ray Watson says that’s due to hockey and COVID-19 protocols.

Overall, Watson says although he believes that record is “pretty good.”

And it was so close to being better.

“Our one tie and our one loss, if we had done a few things I think we could have won both of those games,” he said during an interview.

“We just need to crisp things up on our offence and defence, special teams – all aspects of the game. If we get more of a flow from the entire team I think we’ll do very well.”

Watson said his player are just plain tired. He puts that down to a lack of teammates.

“I know a few games we’ve been down to nine or 10 players and not enough rest for the players. That’s a big part of it,” he said.

Watson said not enough players are opting for football.

“With Olds specifically, we’re a hockey town and a lot of kids play hockey and try out for hockey,” he said.

“Even though football is only so much of the year – it’s only what? Three months of the year. Hockey does it all winter, right?

“And with COVID this year, I think that put a damper on our numbers because at the time, you could only be involved in one sport,” he added.

The Bulldogs were on the road in Lacombe this past weekend. They play their last game of the season Nov. 1 in Olds at Normie Kwong Park against Stettler.

Due to COVID protocols, there are no playoffs and there’ll be no championship game.

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